48 WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS <strong>April</strong>/<strong>May</strong> <strong>2019</strong> <strong>Waikato</strong> University’s Management School drew a big crowd for its Future of Work one-day conference 1. Assoc Prof Peter Sun (<strong>Waikato</strong> Management School) and Ian McAlley of McAlley Consulting Group. 2. Andrew Smith, CEO of Prolife Foods, Pam Roa, MD of Longveld, and Damon Kelly, CEO of Enlighten Designs. 3. Ashleigh Neame, Dr Heather Connolly (Academic Director MBA), Prof Shikhar Sarin and Prof Siggi Gudergan, all of <strong>Waikato</strong> Management School. 4. Andre Clark, commercial director of Ask Your Team 1 2 3 4 Have a happy Holden Mother’s Day 51-57 Alexandra Street. Hamilton, New Zealand email: parts@ebbett.co.nz Ph 07 839 4832 www.ebbett.co.nz J4052P
WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS <strong>April</strong>/<strong>May</strong> <strong>2019</strong> 49 University campus officially opened in Tauranga The new University of <strong>Waikato</strong> campus in Tauranga’s Downtown CBD was formally opened in a ribbon-untying ceremony led by university chancellor and former prime minister Jim Bolger in <strong>April</strong>. By DAVID PORTER Around 200 staff, senior business and education leaders, and supporters gathered to open the $60 million campus development, which has been in operation since March - a year earlier than expected. So far in <strong>2019</strong>, more than 900 individual students are using the new campus, a 32 percent increase on the same time last year. There are 31 general staff in Tauranga: 50 academic staff, and 36 academics visiting regularly from the Hamilton Campus. The campus was expected to reach full capacity of about 1800 students or 1500 full-time equivalents within five years. Degree-level courses offered at the campus included education, social science and business. The university has offered courses in Tauranga for 20 years, but had previously always needed to borrow facilities owned by other institutions. We see ourselves as an enabler of education – giving people the opportunity to access higher education and transform their life prospects. – Neil Quigley University of <strong>Waikato</strong> Chancellor Jim Bolger: Officially launching the new Tauranga university campus. Photo/Supplied. Vice-chancellor Neil Quigley said that it was the beginning of a new era for the university in Bay of Plenty, with the institution becoming deeply embedded in the Bay’s social and economic systems, and transforming Tauranga into a true university city. “To us this means enhancing social outcomes, contributing to economic growth and being a catalyst for change, regionally, nationally and internationally,” he said. “We see ourselves as an enabler of education – giving people the opportunity to access higher education and transform their life prospects.” Senior deputy vice-chancellor Alister Jones told Bay of Plenty <strong>Business</strong> <strong>News</strong> the campus was an exciting development. “Feedback from students is very positive, the staff are enjoying teaching in the environment and the building is living up to expectations,” said Jones. “But what is really important to understand is that the building is only an artifact of what we’re trying to achieve. It’s great having the building, but that’s only part of the equation. It’s about delivering to students, getting the right programmes and the right courses.” The new campus development, led by the university on behalf of the Bay of Plenty Tertiary Partnership, enhances the range of qualifications and study options available to students in the Bay. The development has been made possible through the support and drive of the region, especially the key funders: Tauranga City Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Tauranga Energy Consumer Trust. Chancellor Bolger thanked all involved in bringing the project to life. These included key supporters, advisors, leaders and artists who have guided the process of bringing history and heritage to the building, and the iwi of Tauranga Moana, he said. Jasmax, Greenstone, Hawkins Construction, RLB Consultants, and other consultants such as Beca were also key in this project. Neil Martin, architect and principal at Jasmax, said they were delighted to deliver the aspirational project. “Mana whenua engagement with Ngai Tamarawaho was instrumental in informing the brief, and has been integrated into the design process from early concepts,” he said. <strong>Business</strong> events power the Mighty <strong>Waikato</strong> When it comes to hosting business events, meetings or conferences, you can’t beat the Mighty <strong>Waikato</strong> with the region now fourth most desirable place to host, meet and learn. The Ministry of <strong>Business</strong>, Innovation and Employment released its quarterly Convention Activity Survey and <strong>Waikato</strong> ranked fourth behind Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch for market share by the number of multiday business events. So, what does this all mean to our region? Not only do conference delegates spend more than the leisure traveller, if they also have a favourable experience of a place, they will return for a holiday with family and friends. International business delegates spend on average $299 per night when visiting <strong>Waikato</strong> and stay around seven nights in New Zealand. Domestic business event delegates spend more, with an average of $461 per night, and stay around three nights in the region. <strong>Business</strong> delegates eat out, love to shop, be entertained and visit some of our tourist attractions. They also require transport and business support services, plus help keep our venue, event and technical staff in employment. Not only are conference delegates high-value visitors, they are here to be educated, sharing knowledge and opportunities with like-minded people. Another key factor with business events and travel is that it is not seasonal – it is a year-round activity which keeps many venues, AV technicians, caterers, entertainers, transport providers and event organisers in sustainable employment. This is different from the leisure traveller who traditionally likes to explore our region during the summer and shoulder seasons. Attracting international conferences to our shores also deliver significant benefits to New Zealanders. It brings the best minds in the world for each relevant sector within easy reach of individuals, organisations and our communities. Attending an international conference half way around the world can be a huge ask for New Zealand-based businesses or organisations, so it makes it more affordable to attend an international convention in our own country. The opportunity to expand our education and knowledge, build professional relationships and business opportunities, plus creating joint ventures, funding arrangements and social legacies should not be under-estimated. We are fortunate in our region to have world-class venues and facilities like Claudelands Event Centre and Mystery Creek, plus a world-leading university who help attract international conventions. We have also recently joined forces with Dunedin Convention Bureau to launch “Meet North South”, an initiative to generate business events which will benefit both regions over consecutive years. The partnership effectively solves the challenge experienced by New Zealand associations looking to hold business events for up to 500 people on a North Island / South Island regional rotation. If there is an international conference you would love to bring to our region, please get in touch. Not only can we help with the bid process and conference delivery advice, we may be able to attract support funding from Tourism New Zealand’s Conference Assistance Programme. TELLING WAIKATO’S STORY > BY JASON DAWSON Chief Executive, Hamilton & <strong>Waikato</strong> Tourism
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